Five Hallmarks of Restless Legs Syndrome

Five Hallmarks of Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that usually presents with symptoms prior to sleep onset. Difficulty falling asleep, due to leg discomfort, is therefore a common presentation.

There are five distinct criteria for the diagnosis of RLS; however, it is important to consider that some patients, such as young children, may not be able to identify and express these symptoms clearly.

Urge to move legs.

An urge to move the legs usually but not always accompanied by, or felt to be caused by, uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs. Sometimes the urge to move is present without the uncomfortable sensations and sometimes the arms or other body parts are involved in addition to the legs.

Symptoms are worse in the evening.

The urge to move and any accompanying unpleasant sensations are worse in the evening or night than during the day or only occur in the evening or night.

Symptoms are worse at rest.

The urge to move the legs and any accompanying unpleasant sensations begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity such as lying down or sitting.

Symptoms feel better with movement.

The urge to move and any accompanying unpleasant sensations are partially or totally relieved by movement, such as walking or stretching, at least as long as the activity continues.

Symptoms are not due to another medical condition or medication side effect.

The occurrence of the above features is not solely accounted for as symptoms primary to another medical or a behavioral condition.